I have a situation (water filter mounting) where a couple of
3/4" x 3" NPT pipe nipples would work perfectly, but got a
shock when I saw the price on those in brass ($15 each at
Lowes). So I decided to ues PVC nipples, but then noticed
on the tag, "For outdoor use only". Of course, no
explanation why.

In scrambling to find other options, I noticed some very
nicely molded white PVC fittings, but they didn't have the
"For outdoor use only" tags. But no nipples.

I've noticed that the gray nipples have a decidedly
different feel than the white fittings.

On some of the white fittings, made by Dura, I see (in some
embossed printing) "PVC-1". I don't notice that in the gray
PVC nipples.

I've searched a lot on the web, but can't find an
explanation as to the difference between white and gray PVC,
nor why the gray is for outdoor use only, nor whether either
are ok for drinking water applications. Even the Dura
website was silent on this.

Anyone?

--
Thanks,
croy

On Feb 8, 8:52*pm, croy wrote:
I have a situation (water filter mounting) where a couple of
3/4" x 3" NPT pipe nipples would work perfectly, but got a
shock when I saw the price on those in brass ($15 each at
Lowes). *So I decided to ues PVC nipples, but then noticed
on the tag, "For outdoor use only". *Of course, no
explanation why.

In scrambling to find other options, I noticed some very
nicely molded white PVC fittings, but they didn't have the
"For outdoor use only" tags. *But no nipples.

I've noticed that the gray nipples have a decidedly
different feel than the white fittings.

On some of the white fittings, made by Dura, I see (in some
embossed printing) "PVC-1". *I don't notice that in the gray
PVC nipples.

I've searched a lot on the web, but can't find an
explanation as to the difference between white and gray PVC,
nor why the gray is for outdoor use only, nor whether either
are ok for drinking water applications. *Even the Dura
website was silent on this.

Anyone?

--
Thanks,
croy

White is for plumbing and gray is for electrical work. Gray is not
affected by the sun as much as white.

On Feb 8, 6:52*pm, croy wrote:
I have a situation (water filter mounting) where a couple of
3/4" x 3" NPT pipe nipples would work perfectly, but got a
shock when I saw the price on those in brass ($15 each at
Lowes). *So I decided to ues PVC nipples, but then noticed
on the tag, "For outdoor use only". *Of course, no
explanation why.

In scrambling to find other options, I noticed some very
nicely molded white PVC fittings, but they didn't have the
"For outdoor use only" tags. *But no nipples.

I've noticed that the gray nipples have a decidedly
different feel than the white fittings.

On some of the white fittings, made by Dura, I see (in some
embossed printing) "PVC-1". *I don't notice that in the gray
PVC nipples.

I've searched a lot on the web, but can't find an
explanation as to the difference between white and gray PVC,
nor why the gray is for outdoor use only, nor whether either
are ok for drinking water applications. *Even the Dura
website was silent on this.

Anyone?

--
Thanks,
croy

Would 3/4" x 3" brass nipples at $5.50 each solve the problem?

http://www.mcmaster.com/#brass-pipe-nipples/=g647cv


or SCH 80 PVC

http://www.mcmaster.com/#pvc-pipe-nipples/=g64a0a


I wouldn't put too much credence in a notification tagged to a PVC
fitting as to its universality.
But OTOH if the mfr says "outdoor use only", I'd take them at their
word.... perhaps it is CYA disclaimer.

White, grey or black PVC (SCH 40 or SCH 80) all are suitable for
plumbing.... check Ryan Herco or McMaster.

Sunlight resistant PVC conduit is a light grey.

In your case I'd bite the bullet & get brass or use SCH 80 grey PVC
nipples.

cheers
Bob

theres also more than one quality of PVC fittings

DWV drain waste vent, and pressure type

oddly home depot sells schedule 40 pressure pipe, but only drain waste
fittings.........

my best friend learned this the hard way after a elbow broke under
pressure.

you have been warned........

On Feb 9, 7:24*am, bob haller wrote:
theres also more than one quality of PVC fittings

DWV drain waste vent, and pressure type

oddly home depot sells schedule 40 pressure pipe, but only drain waste
fittings.........

Are you sure about that? They have both type of fittings
at the 4 HDs here in NJ that I use. I can get a 2" elbow for example
in DWV type or Sched 40.



my best friend learned this the hard way after a elbow broke under
pressure.

you have been warned........

On Feb 8, 8:52 pm, croy wrote:
I have a situation (water filter mounting) where a couple of
3/4" x 3" NPT pipe nipples would work perfectly, but got a
shock when I saw the price on those in brass ($15 each at
Lowes). So I decided to ues PVC nipples, but then noticed
on the tag, "For outdoor use only". Of course, no
explanation why.

In scrambling to find other options, I noticed some very
nicely molded white PVC fittings, but they didn't have the
"For outdoor use only" tags. But no nipples.

I've noticed that the gray nipples have a decidedly
different feel than the white fittings.

On some of the white fittings, made by Dura, I see (in some
embossed printing) "PVC-1". I don't notice that in the gray
PVC nipples.

I've searched a lot on the web, but can't find an
explanation as to the difference between white and gray PVC,
nor why the gray is for outdoor use only, nor whether either
are ok for drinking water applications. Even the Dura
website was silent on this.

Anyone?

--
Thanks,
croy

Could it possible be that they are referring to PVC not being
reccommended for indoor plumbing ? Possibly CPVC fittings
would be acceptable.....
The difference would be that PVC is taboo for hot water lines, and
hot water lines aren't run outdoors...... Just thinking out loud.....

On Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:52:44 -0800, croy wrote:

I have a situation (water filter mounting) where a couple of
3/4" x 3" NPT pipe nipples would work perfectly, but got a
shock when I saw the price on those in brass ($15 each at
Lowes). So I decided to ues PVC nipples, but then noticed
on the tag, "For outdoor use only". Of course, no
explanation why.

In scrambling to find other options, I noticed some very
nicely molded white PVC fittings, but they didn't have the
"For outdoor use only" tags. But no nipples.

I've noticed that the gray nipples have a decidedly
different feel than the white fittings.

On some of the white fittings, made by Dura, I see (in some
embossed printing) "PVC-1". I don't notice that in the gray
PVC nipples.

I've searched a lot on the web, but can't find an
explanation as to the difference between white and gray PVC,
nor why the gray is for outdoor use only, nor whether either
are ok for drinking water applications. Even the Dura
website was silent on this.

Anyone?

Nowhere did you mention the type of plumbing you have in the house.
You can get galvanized steel elbows for a couple bucks. But if you have
copper, then stick with copper. f you have PVC, use that....

I've never seen pvc labelled "Outdoor only". As others said, Gray is
for electrical, but can be used indoors or outdoors. White is not good
outdoors when exposed to the sun because it deteriorates from sun.

I'd really like to know what this "outdoor only" stuff is called?

You have to tell is what you have for plumbing to get help on here.

On Feb 8, 9:52*pm, croy wrote:
I've searched a lot on the web, but can't find an
explanation as to the difference between white and gray PVC,
nor why the gray is for outdoor use only, nor whether either
are ok for drinking water applications. *Even the Dura
website was silent on this.

All this hullabaloo over two $15 nipples?

The brass nipples are the right part, right now. You can order them
online cheaper, but that delays the deployment of your filter. All to
save $20. If that much.

I would buy the nipples, grumble about the price, install them, get
over it, and enjoy the water filter.

On Feb 9, 12:49*pm, wrote:
On Feb 8, 9:52*pm, croy wrote:

I've searched a lot on the web, but can't find an
explanation as to the difference between white and gray PVC,
nor why the gray is for outdoor use only, nor whether either
are ok for drinking water applications. *Even the Dura
website was silent on this.

All this hullabaloo over two $15 nipples?

The brass nipples are the right part, right now. You can order them
online cheaper, but that delays the deployment of your filter. All to
save $20. If that much.

I would buy the nipples, grumble about the price, install them, get
over it, and enjoy the water filter.

I don't know about the whole color thing. I agree that
usually plumbing PVC fittings are white, while electrical
are grey. But is that written in stone somewhere?

Here for example are some water fittings that are grey:

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CEUQ8wIwAQ#


http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/pro...aspx?sku=49882

I recently bought a 3/4" water nipple at ACE that was grey.

On Thu, 9 Feb 2012 10:07:17 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

On Feb 9, 12:49*pm, wrote:
On Feb 8, 9:52*pm, croy wrote:

I've searched a lot on the web, but can't find an
explanation as to the difference between white and gray PVC,
nor why the gray is for outdoor use only, nor whether either
are ok for drinking water applications. *Even the Dura
website was silent on this.

All this hullabaloo over two $15 nipples?

The brass nipples are the right part, right now. You can order them
online cheaper, but that delays the deployment of your filter. All to
save $20. If that much.

I would buy the nipples, grumble about the price, install them, get
over it, and enjoy the water filter.

I don't know about the whole color thing. I agree that
usually plumbing PVC fittings are white, while electrical
are grey. But is that written in stone somewhere?

Here for example are some water fittings that are grey:

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CEUQ8wIwAQ#


http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/pro...aspx?sku=49882

I recently bought a 3/4" water nipple at ACE that was grey.

Schedule 80 pvc pipe and fittings are gray in color.
--
Mr.E

I have the exact same problem, but Im not talking just 2 PVC nipples, I am developing a leak detection and auto shut off system that will be manufactured in volume. Each unit uses 3 schedule 80 PVC nipples and when you build even 25 units, the cost savings are tremendous over brass or other materials- right now we are planning on production runs of 100, so this cost savings is even more important.

Now, at Home Depot, I can get these 4" PVC Grey nipples that have the tag "OUTDOOR USE ONLY" for $0.79. I can get the same sch 80 4" nipples from McMaster-Carr for $1.56. The only difference is McMaster says their piping is NSF 61 certified for use with drinking (potable) water.

Obviously on my product, I will choose the latter just to be safe since my product will have drinking water running through it. However, I want to know why I am paying more...Is the only difference the certification itself, where McMaster has to up their price to cover extra cost of certifying their products, or is their an actual difference in material or manufacturing process that makes the Home Depot nipples not safe for potable water applications??? Or is the "OUTDOOR USE ONLY" statement merely there so people don't bust a leak inside their homes, and it is OK to run potable water through these nipples as long as its outside?? You would think that if it was unsafe for drinking water, they would have a specific tag just for that. I mean people drink outside too right???

Thoughts?

On 3/11/2014 11:39 AM, wrote:
I have the exact same problem, but Im not talking just 2 PVC nipples, I am developing a leak detection and auto shut off system that will be manufactured in volume. Each unit uses 3 schedule 80 PVC nipples and when you build even 25 units, the cost savings are tremendous over brass or other materials- right now we are planning on production runs of 100, so this cost savings is even more important.

Now, at Home Depot, I can get these 4" PVC Grey nipples that have the tag "OUTDOOR USE ONLY" for $0.79. I can get the same sch 80 4" nipples from McMaster-Carr for $1.56. The only difference is McMaster says their piping is NSF 61 certified for use with drinking (potable) water.

Obviously on my product, I will choose the latter just to be safe since my product will have drinking water running through it. However, I want to know why I am paying more...Is the only difference the certification itself, where McMaster has to up their price to cover extra cost of certifying their products, or is their an actual difference in material or manufacturing process that makes the Home Depot nipples not safe for potable water applications??? Or is the "OUTDOOR USE ONLY" statement merely there so people don't bust a leak inside their homes, and it is OK to run potable water through these nipples as long as its outside?? You would think that if it was unsafe for drinking water, they would have a specific tag just for that. I mean people drink outside too right???

Thoughts?

The probable difference is in the amount of vinyl chloride that will be
released by the cheap plastic.

Paul

"Paul Drahn" wrote in message
...
On 3/11/2014 11:39 AM, wrote:
I have the exact same problem, but Im not talking just 2 PVC nipples, I
am developing a leak detection and auto shut off system that will be
manufactured in volume. Each unit uses 3 schedule 80 PVC nipples and
when you build even 25 units, the cost savings are tremendous over brass
or other materials- right now we are planning on production runs of 100,
so this cost savings is even more important.

Now, at Home Depot, I can get these 4" PVC Grey nipples that have the tag
"OUTDOOR USE ONLY" for $0.79. I can get the same sch 80 4" nipples from
McMaster-Carr for $1.56. The only difference is McMaster says their
piping is NSF 61 certified for use with drinking (potable) water.

Obviously on my product, I will choose the latter just to be safe since
my product will have drinking water running through it. However, I want
to know why I am paying more...Is the only difference the certification
itself, where McMaster has to up their price to cover extra cost of
certifying their products, or is their an actual difference in material
or manufacturing process that makes the Home Depot nipples not safe for
potable water applications??? Or is the "OUTDOOR USE ONLY" statement
merely there so people don't bust a leak inside their homes, and it is OK
to run potable water through these nipples as long as its outside?? You
would think that if it was unsafe for drinking water, they would have a
specific tag just for that. I mean people drink outside too right???

Thoughts?

The probable difference is in the amount of vinyl chloride that will be
released by the cheap plastic.

Paul

Why don't you contact the manufacturer for technical information and what is
and what is not certified. A Google search will find a number of
manufacturers, most likely their tech. department will be willing to provide
you with the information and recommendations for your product, particularly
if you will be needing larger quantities when you are finished developing
your product. You certainly will want to buy wholesale not at a retailer
such as Home Depot or a semi-retailer as McMaster.

On 3/11/2014 1:39 PM, wrote:

Now, at Home Depot, I can get these 4" PVC Grey nipples that have
the tag "OUTDOOR USE ONLY" for $0.79. I can get the same sch 80 4"
nipples from McMaster-Carr for $1.56. The only difference is McMaster
says theirpiping is NSF 61 certified for use with drinking (potable) water.

Obviously on my product, I will choose the latter just to be safe
since my product will have drinking water running through it. However, I
want to know why I am paying more...Is the only difference the
certification itself, where McMaster has to up their price to cover
extra cost of certifying their products, or is their an actual
difference in material or manufacturing process that makes the Home
Depot nipples not safe for potable water applications??? ...

There can be...there's still concern that Chinese and other imports may
still contain leachable Pb as lead was the most commonly used stabilizer
there. So, if it is going to be in a potable water system you'd be
derelict to not use that that is certified for such use. No guarantee
it'll not be found to have some other trace problem in the future, of
course, but you'll be clear of any negligence/liability on that score as
best knew at the time. And, of course, when you go into production
you'll be keeping such QC records to prove it...

http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20130906/NEWS/130909958/chinas-pvc-pipe-makers-under-pressure-to-give-up-lead-stabilizers#

This is relatively recent--last fall when the above article was published.

--